Israel was founded by Zionists, who viewed Israel as the Promised Land, the patrimony of the Jewish people. Today, many Israelis define themselves as a nation, not as a religion. Does being an Israeli mean embracing a religion, or is it a national identity? This program examines this divisive question that has pitted Israeli against Jew. Beginning with the forefathers who founded Israel on Zionist principles, to those who have immigrated seeking a homeland, this question of identity continues to shape Israeli politics and policy.

The information below has been drawn from sources outside of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Libraries. In most instances, the information will be from sources that have not been peer reviewed by scholarly or research communities. Please report cases in which the information is inaccurate through the Contact Us link below.